The Three Provisions 三资粮

‘What is meant by Faith? First, Faith in the power of Amitābha Buddha’s [Āmítuófó’s] vows. Second, Faith in Śākyamuni Buddha’s spoken teachings. Third, Faith in the praises of [Āmítuófó by] all Buddhas of the six directions [everywhere: East, North, West, South, Below and Above]. With this, yet not having Faith, one truly cannot be saved [by Āmítuófó]. Thus, one should first give rise to deep Faith, and not give rise to doubt.

‘What is Aspiration [Vow]? At all times, loathe the suffering of birth and death in this Sahā World, rejoice in and yearn for the bliss of enlightenment in [Āmítuófó’s] Pure Land. For all that is done, be it good or evil, for the good, thus should it be dedicated for seeking of birth in Pure Land, for the evil, thus should there be repentance for seeking of birth in Pure Land. Furthermore, without a second ambition, this is named Aspiration.’

‘With Faith and Aspiration already complete, recitation of [Amitābha] Buddha’s name [Āmítuófó] is correctly called the Main Practice, while correction of evil and cultivation of good are all called Supportive Practices.’

Attaining birth [in Āmítuófó’s Pure Land] or not, completely depends on Faith and Aspiration being present or absent. The grade [of birth] being high or low, completely depends on [the Practice of] upholding [i.e. mindfulness of] the name [of Āmítuófó] being deep or shallow.

– The Pure Land Tradition’s 9th Patriarch Great Master Ǒuyì (Essential Explanation Of The Amitābha Sūtra As Spoken By The Buddha)

Namo Amituofo : Translated by Shen Shi’an

信愿持名深， 得生品位高。 信愿持名浅 ， 得生品位下。

With Faith, Aspiration and deeper upholding of the name [of Āmítuófó], attained is birth of higher grade [in Pure Land]. With Faith, Aspiration and shallower upholding of the name [of Āmítuófó], attained is birth of lower grade [in Pure Land].